The family of David Brooke (NZL), a veteran of several America's Cup campaigns and Volvo Ocean Races, have updated on his successful recovery after an emergency liver transplant in mid April, in San Francisco.

In an email sent on Monday, his father Don Brooke, once again thanked and updated all those who had sent messages of support to the family.

'Firstly thank you all so much for your messages and kind wishes....very much appreciated..

'David is now on the final run to the finishing line, as far as his hospitalisation is concerned.

'From here on out it will be medications and regular clinic visits. He now has to make some efforts for himself, and discipline will a big part of his life.

'Dialysis is now over and the catheter was removed this morning.

'We will move him back to Alameda early in June, and we can make arrangements for us to come home .

'We will encourage David to gradually return to some involvement with Artemis, initially very limited but will build up. Artemis have decided to continue their challenge, subject to some very strict and tough static testing of their new boat.

'After all this has been proven, the sailing team will make the final decision as to whether they will take part in the regatta.

'The sailors rather than administrators, will determine their future.

'Well, thank you all again, We can now see a future ahead, and are so grateful to Artemis for their initial action, and the doctors for their quick diagnosis, and the liver transplant.

Everybody has been so helpful.'

At the time he collapsed in his apartment, Brooke was Tender Fleet Manager for the Swedish America's Cup Challenger Artemis Racing. He is a member of one of New Zealand's leading boatbuilding design families, who have been a major influence in New Zealand yachting and the marine industry for three generations.

His father Don Brooke a former RNZYS Commodore, designer, and Int. sailing Judge and Umpire was the person who signed off New Zealand's first America's Cup Challenge, lodged unbeknown to the RNZYS by Marcel Fachler in March 1984. That act, and subsequent feasibility study conducted by Don Brooke and funded by Fachler started the New Zealand America's Cup legacy that has extended for 27 years.

David Brooke's immediate family traveled to San Francisco as soon as the seriousness of Brooke's condition was known, and have been with him since them.

Sail-World will carry further updates on David Brooke's situation as they come to hand.